Turkey has introduced a new set of tax incentives designed to attract international professionals, investors, and globally mobile entrepreneurs. These measures are not just for large corporations—they can directly benefit expatriates looking for a favorable tax environment and a strategic base between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. Here’s what you need to know, in simple terms. Why Turkey is Becoming Attractive for Expats Turkey is positioning itself as a competitive international hub by combining: a strategic geographic location a dynamic and growing economy a cost-effective lifestyle and now, strong tax advantages Recent reforms aim to make the country more appealing for people who earn income internationally while living locally.…

If you are planning to work or hire in Turkey as an expatriate, understanding local occupational health and safety regulations—known as ISG (İş Sağlığı ve Güvenliği)—is essential. These rules are not just formalities. They are strictly enforced under Law No. 6331 and apply to all workers, regardless of whether you are a freelancer, consultant, or employed through a local structure. Failing to comply can lead to fines, work interruptions, or administrative complications. The good news is that, with the right approach, ISG requirements can be managed smoothly. 1. Understand your status: employee, freelancer, or contractor Your ISG obligations depend largely on how you operate in Turkey: If you are officially…

There is a lot to be said about circumcision in Turkey. All societies have rites of passage. Those of transition from one age to another and those of one status to another. Turkish society, having made a synthesis of Islamic, Anatolian and Central Asian behaviors, has several of them. Let’s take a look at one of these rites of passage, both religious and traditional, quite codified but with some regional variations. This is circumcision in Turkey (sünnet). If, during your wanderings in Turkey, you come across a child dressed as an Ottoman prince, scepter and saber in hand, the sultan’s headdress on his head, don’t think of a costume ball…

You are going to live as a couple (with or without children) in expatriation in Turkey or you are about to leave, in this country. Congratulation ! Here are some infallible tips for your couple to live the experience serenely … and survive it. Moments of joy, anger, doubt, disappointment, pride… You have understood that emotion is at the heart of expatriation. So, when this emotion is combined in the plural with all the members of the family, the situation can become complicated. If it is often said that a happy and solid family is first of all a happy and solid couple, and that this must be made up…

Looking to buy souvenirs from Turkey ? Do you want to take a souvenir or a gift home with you? I have narrowed down 14 ideal souvenirs from Turkey. At the end of the post, you can decide and place your vote for the best souvenir. You can find most of these souvenirs from Turkey in any one of the Turkish bazaars. One is held at least every week in the tourist resort areas. The best way to find out about market days is by asking the staff at your hotel. If you don’t want to, or can’t wait for the bazaar day, that’s not a problem. There will surely…

I am sure that by now each of you knows at least one Turkish name …. I try to guess? Can? Sinem? Leyla? But do you know the meaning of Turkish names? Some Turkish names have struck the romantic hearts of Italians this summer. The phenomenon of our Turkish TV series has helped people discover our beautiful names. The name Can means life or soul. It is pronounced “Gian” and is very common in Turkey. In fact, we often address loved ones by saying “canım”, which literally means my life, but in everyday context, it is understood as my dear. Sanem on the other hand means idol or beautiful woman.…

Want to know more about Istanbul and its inhabitants? People of Istanbul The easiest way to do this is with stories, data and pictures of the faces behind the metropolis. 1. Do 15 or 17 million people live in Istanbul? Nobody really knows the answer to this question.  Yes, there are official figures, but these figures do not include the illegal settlements in and around Istanbul. Inhabitants in the so-called Gecekondus hardly appear in public. Gecekondu is the Turkish name for a simple or primitive settlement on the outskirts of a large city. The word is not to be confused with a slum. Literally translated, Gecekondu means something like “put…

Giving tip in Turkey is common almost everywhere, with only a few exceptions. The tip in Turkey In the bazaar, for example, the final price is agreed upon through trade. The dealer does not expect you to pay anything more than the agreed price. The tip at the bazaar is the percentage that you haven’t negotiated down. TAnd believe me, there is usually a wide range of margin in regard to the price. The situation is different with travel guides, restaurants or club hotels. Here, a tip is definitely appropriate. How much should you tip in Turkey at a restaurant, club hotel, etc.? 1. In a restaurant A waiter’s total…

To talk about Turkey is to talk about turks, its geographical position, its language and its characteristics. Let’s get to know Turkey together, this neighbour unknown to many until just a few years ago, which is now on everyone’s lips now, thanks to the Turkish television series Turkey represents the perfect marriage between East and West, between culture, tradition and modernity. Do we know that Turks… are Asian people? Yes, but not exclusively! Of course, the country is much less multi-ethnic  than it was during the Ottoman Empire, but for centuries, in addition to the vast majority of Asian Turks, the country is considered home to various groups of Caucasian…